The meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by Chairman, Dr. Bernard Ross, who read the Open Public Meetings Act Statement as prescribed by law. Notice was advertised in the Ridgewood News on June 6, 2003 stating this meeting would be held in Room 311 of the Municipal Offices at 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 8:00 PM.

Notice of this meeting is posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board. The minutes shall be available from the Township Clerk, Secretary of the Housing Commission and the Municipal Web site upon adoption by the Commission.

On behalf of the Housing Commission, Ross offered condolences to Calandrillo on the recent loss of her Father and Father-in-law.

Calandrillo made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 10, 2003 Housing Commission meeting, seconded by Snyder. Motion carried. Snyder and Plicinski abstained due to absence.

PUBLIC PORTION

On a motion by Calandrillo, seconded by Plicinski, the meeting was opened to the Public.All in favor. Motion carried.

No Public in attendance.

Calandrillo moved to close the Public Portion, seconded by Snyder. All in favor. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

At the appropriate time the Affordable Housing Dept. will follow up on 804 Sassafras Court.

The letter from Keith Henderson, Director of Planning at COAH, to DeScherer was reviewed. It addressed the recent amendments to Section 24-14.15 of Mahwah Township’s Municipal Code which was found to be in full compliance with COAH rules and met their approval.

DeScherer will record the Affordable Housing Ordinance as well as amendments at the County level.

The second half of the Development Fee for 256 Airmont Avenue was paid in full.

HOUSING MANAGER’S REPORTS:

Report A- At the present time, no units are available for sale or rent. There is one unit with a rental pending and three with sales pending.

Report B- Violation- A Summons will be issued to the owner of 1417 Faulkner Court, since the owner has failed to come into compliance with the Township Code.

Report C- No change

Report D- 137 Raintree Lane- Duncan- DeScherer has a call into the Trust Fund to follow up on the monies due the Township.

389 Poet’s Way- Selensky-DeScherer stated Ameriquest Mortgage Co., hired a law firm which filed a Notice of Appeal. The Brief is due March 13, 2004. Mayor Martel is sending a letter to William Dressel, Executive Director of the League of Municipalities requesting their involvement.

1411 Faulkner Ct.- DeScherer will check on funds being held in NJ Superior Court Trust Fund.

2107 Hawthorne Ln.-DeScherer will check on funds being held in NJ Superior Court Trust Fund.

Report E, E-1, E-2-Reed reviewed summarization page of Development Fee account, showing expenditures of $88,311.92, with a balance of $661,080.82.

a. Draft Housing Commission Resolution-DeScherer-A Resolution authorizing the acquisition and sale of Affordable Housing units located in the Township of Mahwah that are subject to a foreclosure proceeding or Sheriff’s Sale or are otherwise at-risk of being lost form the Township’s Affordable Housing stock.

This Resolution would allow appropriate authority to take necessary actions to preserve an at-risk affordable housing unit by drawing from the Housing Commission’s Trust Funds as authorized in the Township’s Spending Plan and as approved by COAH and would allow for no more than 50% of the Fund to be utilized for the purchase, restoration and maintenance of such units in a calendar year.

The Resolution was reviewed; DeScherer will revisit the Township’s Spending Plan and Trust Fund regulations. Clarification of Development Fees and monies held in the “Other” category of the Trust Fund should be more explicit. She will also check allowances on usage of the interest.

Calandrillo made the Motion to adopt Housing Resolution 01-04-A, allowing the Commission after obtaining written authorization form the Business Administrator and certifications of funds from the Township’s Certified Financial Officer, that no more than fifty percent of the existing balance in the Trust Fund Development Fee be depleted in any calendar year for the purchase of an at-risk affordable housing unit. The amount to be expended to purchase an at-risk affordable housing unit shall be pursuant to COAH Regulations and shall not exceed the maximum permitted sales price of the unit. The Commission may, however, expend additional funds from the “Other” monies to maintain and rehabilitate the unit for resale and/or rental. Seconded by Plicinski.

Calandrillo asked if clarification has been received from COAH on the affirmative marketing plan, as to who will be responsible for providing counseling services as it appears in the proposed changes to COAH regulations? Ross stated this was part of the letter sent to COAH expressing the Township’s concerns to some of the proposed changes. To date there has not been a reply.

CLOSED SESSION:

At 8:35 PM, Snyder made a Motion to enter into Closed Session for discussion of 1509 Faulkner Court. Seconded by Calandrillo. Motion carried.

At 8:50 PM, Calandrillo made the Motion to return to Open Session. Plicinski seconded. Motion carried.

Being no further business, Calandrillo made the Motion for adjournment at 8:55 PM. Martel seconded. Motion carried.

The next Housing Commission meeting is Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 8:00 PM.